Tag: Left

  • Mamata Banerjee`s TMC To Extend Outside Support To `INDIA` Bloc But With This Condition

    West Bengal Congress led by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has been at the odds with Banerjee government in the state despite Congress’s top leadership taking a softer stance towards the Bengal government. 

  • Alappuzha: LS Polls 2024: KC Venugopal ups stakes to wrest CPM seat, says Pinarayi Vijayan speaks Modi lingo

    As one enters Alappuzha, the citadel of the Communists in Kerala and the land of the historic Punnapra-Vayalar uprising and the martyrs column, huge hoardings of KC Venugopal, the influential AICC general secretary (organisation) and a close associate of Rahul Gandhi, are all over. Venugopal is fighting to wrest the CPM seat, the only Lok Sabha constituency that stood by the Left in 2019 when the Congress-led UDF swept 19 of the 20 seats from the state. If that explains the Left’s political resilience here, Venugopal’s entry has upped the stakes for both sides.”This is an election to save Indian democracy and to save our Constitution,” Venugopal said when ET caught up with him at Aryad on the outskirts of the town. “The Congress is leading that fight, along with the INDIA alliance parties, against the Modi government. Every single seat, every single vote counts. I am sure the people of Alappuzha will stand by the Congress in this historic battle”.Venugopal has trained expertise in taking the fight to the Left strongholds; he cut his teeth in the Congress student’s wing in his birthplace of Payyanur in Kannur, another Communist base. As he progressed to the party leadership, the Congress politically relocated Venugopal to Alappuzha where he won three consecutive assembly polls from 1996 and two Lok Sabha polls in 2009 and 2014. CPM reclaimed the seat in 2019 — when Venugopal took a break from electoral contest due to organisational preoccupation with the leadership placing him in the RS from Rajasthan. Venugopal is now back for the retrieval act. AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther StatesAs Venugopal reached a street corner meeting venue, an enthusiastic crowd greeted him. “If anyone examines the political life of a Congress worker called KC Venugopal, he will find its foundation was laid when the people of Alappuzha elected me as their MLA way back in 1996. You have made me MLA and MP many times. Whatever I am today, all credit goes to you people. As my party has sent me here to fight this all-important election, I once again place my politics and my future in your hands,” Venugopal tells the responsive crowd.

    He is pitted against a local CPM leader and sitting MP AM Arif, who won the seat in 2019 by a slender margin of 10,474 votes, and senior BJP leader Shobha Surendran, who has a track-record of lifting the BJP vote percentage wherever she contested, albeit losing the elections. But whose vote, in addition to that of the BJP here, she will cut into this time is keeping both Congress and the Left sides guessing.

    As Venugopal moved forward through the crowds, he told ET about his twin concerns and his twin targets. “Can you imagine the way the PM is speaking at his rallies these days? Such blatant communal talk! Shocking. The PM has become desperate after the first phase of election. And here in Kerala, look at the way the CM (and CPI-M leader) Pinarayi Vijayan is speaking, the way he has targeted Rahul Ji. Modi and Pinarayi speak the same language in this election”. CPM’s sitting MP, Arif, 59, told ET that he is fighting to retain his party’s Lok Sabha seat. “I have placed before the people the details of the development works I have done, including the steps to modernise and beautify Alappuzha as a throbbing tourism destination.”

  • Congress: Congress declines support offered by PFI arm SDPI

    The Congress and the party-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala on Thursday declined the electoral support extended three days earlier by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political arm of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

    The Congress publicly spurned the offer of support after it came under fire from both the BJP and the Left for allegedly seeking support from the party sponsored by the proscribed PFI.

    “The Congress and the UDF oppose communalism, be it by the majority or minority communities, alike. We will not accept the support of such organisations. This is our view about the support extended by SDPI to UDF also,” VD Satheesan, leader of the opposition in Kerala, said hours after the top Left and BJP leaders intensified their attacks on the Congress over the matter. Meanwhile, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan sharpened the criticism of the Left on Rahul Gandhi’s Wayanad contest. He said the Congress, fearing a BJP attack, hid its own flags in order to make ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) not to display its green flags at Gandhi’s roadshow in Wayanad on Wednesday.

  • With Development Work And ‘Ram Jyoti’ Appeal, PM Modi Tries To Strike A Chord With ‘Unfavourable’ Kerala Voters |

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed a gathering in Kerala’s Kochi where he lauded the people of the state for celebrating ‘Ramayan Masam’ and urged people to light ‘Ram Jyoti’ on January 22. “Shri Rama Jyoti should be lit in all houses and temples during the Dhanya Muhurta of Prana Pratishtha in Ayodhya. This message should be conveyed to all,” urged PM Modi to the people. He also asked party workers to focus on their booth saying that every booth is important. PM Modi urged the party workers to conduct contact activities with people and made them aware of the BJP government’s scheme. He also asked all Shaktikendra workers to use the Namo application to get accurate awareness of central schemes. 

    Kerala, once a Congress stronghold, has shifted towards the Left for the last 10 years. The BJP is focussing on ‘development, welfare, and security’ issues to woo the voters. The BJP is already making ground among voters with PM Modi’s roadshows and events. PM Modi recently led a roadshow and a women’s rally in Thrissur on January 3. He also addressed the Nari Shakthi (Women’s Power) conference which was attended by thousands of women.

    Focus On Key Lok Sabha Seats

    The Kerala BJP is focussing on key Lok Sabah seats where its vote share has increased over time. Over the past three Lok Sabha elections of Thiruvananthapuram, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demonstrated its growing strength as a formidable contender. In the 2009 election, the BJP’s candidate PK Krishna Das secured a notable vote share of 11.40 per cent. Subsequently, in 2014, O Rajagopal significantly increased the party’s influence, garnering 32.32 per cent of the votes. Although there was a slight dip in electoral support in 2019, with Kummanam Rajasekharan achieving a vote share of 31.30 per cent, the BJP continued to establish itself as a robust opponent in the region.

    The Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha seat, which saw agitations related to the Sabarimala temple, is again the focus of the BJP. The party’s vote share in this seat had increased from 7.06 per cent in 2009 to 15.95 per cent in 2014 and to 28.97 per cent in 2019. The BJP is also focussing on the Thrissur and Attingal seats.

    BJP Customising Its Kerala Strategy

    The BJP is customising itself in the state which has a significant number of Christian voters. Shifting away from the traditional strategy of catering primarily to the Hindu community, the BJP is now focusing on the electoral potential within the Christian population in Kerala. The state presents a complex religious demographic scenario, posing a unique challenge for the BJP in its electoral endeavours. Among the 33.4 million inhabitants in Kerala, Christians constitute approximately 18 per cent of the population, while Muslims make up 26 per cent.

    Since the Muslim community in the state largely votes for either Congress or the Left, the BJP is looking to woo Christian voters who are not adverse to the party. Modi’s decision to visit Sacred Heart’s College went beyond merely trying to shape the perspectives of young individuals. It also aimed to portray the BJP as an inclusive party that embraces Christians and genuinely seeks the welfare of the community.

    The BJP’s endeavours to establish a foothold in Kerala politics are showing tangible outcomes, as reflected in the increasing votes and endorsement from influential church figures. Another noteworthy development is the resignation of Johnny Nellore, the vice-chairman of the Kerala Congress, who has declared the formation of a new political party with backing from the Church, purportedly supported by the BJP. Also, by visiting the popular temples, PM Modi has maintained his devotion towards the religion. This will also help woo the Hindu voters. Thus, if the BJP manages to carve out a space for itself among the Hindu and Christian voters, its path will become easier. 

    Development Plank

    PM Modi is presenting the BJP as a party known for carrying out development work. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express and India’s first Water Metro Service in Kochi is part of a strategic plan. Even today, when the Prime Minister visited Kerala, he inaugurated projects worth over Rs 4000 crore in Kerala’s Kochi. The three major infrastructure projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister included the New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL); the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) of CSL; and the LPG Import Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Puthuvypeen, Kochi.

    Highlighting the new infrastructure initiatives inaugurated today, the Prime Minister said the Central Government is working to increase the capacity of coastal cities like Kochi. He further asserted that Kochi is set to be the next ship-building hub of the nation. This will send a signal to the youth of the state that they will get better opportunities within the state instead of migrating to other places.

  • For Panthic votes, Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) prefers Left to BJP

    With Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) striving to regain Panthic support and unite all Akali Dal factions, Punjab-based party leaders feel the environment is not favourable for alliance with former decades-old ally BJP.

    Akali leaders believe the party would continue its alliance with BSP and may form a grand alliance by joining hands with Left parties, including CPM and CPI.

    Last month, on Akali Dal’s 103rd anniversary, Badal apologised for his government’s “administrative failures” in the 2015 sacrilege cases and urged for breakaway reunification for Panthic unity. He publicly apologised for failing to apprehend Guru Granth Sahib desecration culprits in 2015 under his tenure.Akali Dal has always highlighted Sikh issues, but after the defeat in 2022 assembly polls, Badal has been trying to reclaim panthic votes and shared the stage with hardline Sikh leaders like SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann and Sikh preacher Baljit Singh Dadduwal. Recently, Badal and the SGPC president visited the family of Late Akal Takht Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke and pledged full support to them. Kaunke’s family claims six police officers killed the Sikh spiritual leader.

    Senior Akali Dal leader Balwinder Singh Bhunder believes the party would prioritise religion and agriculture (Panth te Kisani). Bhunder stated “the situation and circumstances are not conducive for alliance with BJP.” Both parties will struggle to agree ideologically, especially with the current BJP leadership.”

    He added that beside BSP there are many options for SAD, including Left parties such as CPM and CPI. The party had allied with Left parties in the past as well.SAD leader Naresh Gujral also ruled out alliance with BJP, saying, “there is no scope.”Akali Dal, the founder of NDA and BJP’s oldest ally, moved out of the ruling alliance in 2020, following the protest over the three farm laws. The laws were later taken back by the government.

  • After Left Parties, Mamata Banerjee Likely To Skip Ayodhya Ram Temple Inauguration On Jan 22, Say Sources |

    New Delhi: In a move mirroring the Left parties, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee is not likely to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, slated for January 22, according to sources quoted by news agency PTI. While the exact motive behind her decision remains shrouded in ambiguity, insiders speculate that Banerjee views the event as a political spectacle camouflaged in religious attire. The reluctance to participate stems from her belief that the ceremony might be exploited for political gains.

     

    West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee not to attend the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya: Sources pic.twitter.com/5RnmAPoc7p


    — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 27, 2023

     

    Left Parties To Skip Ram Temple Event

    This development follows the footsteps of Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury’s declaration that he will not partake in the event, criticizing the BJP-led Centre for transforming the ceremony into a “state-sponsored” affair. Earlier, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat also declared the party’s boycott of the event.

    Banerjee’s Delicate Balancing Act

    Political analysts suggest that Banerjee is apprehensive about aligning herself with the BJP’s political narrative. With the saffron party aiming to capitalize on the event for its 2024 Lok Sabha campaign, Banerjee seems keen on avoiding any association that might be construed as political endorsement.

    Govt Vs Opposition Over Ram Temple Event 

    The consecration ceremony, scheduled for January 22, is expected to witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. However, the growing dissent is not limited to Banerjee, as reports indicate that key Congress figures, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, may also decide to skip the event.

    ‘BJP Politicising Ram Temple Event’

    The opposition, led by figures like Sitaram Yechury and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, has strongly criticized the ceremony. Yechury stated, “This inauguration ceremony has been converted into a state-sponsored event, not in consonance with the Constitution.” Meanwhile, Sibal labeled the entire affair as a “show-off,” accusing the BJP of deviating from the virtues associated with Lord Ram.

    In the face of mounting dissent, the event raises questions about the intersection of religion and politics on the national stage, setting the stage for a contentious beginning to 2023.

  • The operator and the collector flagged off the drug de-addiction chariot from the collectorate premises.

    On the occasion of International Drug Prevention Day, five drug de-addiction chariots were flagged off from the Collectorate campus here today with the aim of creating a drug-free environment in the state and motivating the general public towards de-addiction.

    On this occasion, the officers appealed to the people to give up drugs and connect themselves with the mainstream of the society.

    On this occasion Shri P. Dayanad Director Social Welfare, Shri Saurabh Kumar, Collector Raipur, Shri Ajay Yadav S.S. P Raipur. Shri Mayank Chaturvedi, Chief Executive Officer, District Panchayat Raipur, Shri Pankaj Verma Joint Director Social Welfare Headquarters flagged off the chariot to its destination.

    Saurabh Kumar told the collector that an appeal has also been made by the District Administration and Social Welfare Department to get the vaccination done to prevent the infection of Kovid-19 in the drug de-addiction chariot. During the corona infection, the disease caught thousands of people. Vaccination has been largely successful as the ultimate weapon of battle against this horrific pandemic. Therefore, through this de-addiction vehicle, an appeal is being made to the general public to get vaccinated without fear.

    The Joint Director of Social Welfare Department said that through Destination Rath, the general public would be made aware about drug de-addiction by doing intensive tour in the area of ​​four development blocks and Municipal Corporation Raipur for a month.

  • Remixing songs, reinventing a party: How the Left is trying to draw Bengal’s millennials

    Express News Service
    It is that time of the year in West Bengal when the best of the young, creative minds are put to test to come up with slogans and catchy phrases for the elections.

    The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress have been locking horns to the tune of ‘khela hobe’, which translates to ‘game on’ and has made its way into the layman’s everyday vocabulary.

    The phrase that received a rave reception in football-loving Bengal was coined by the TMC’s 25-year-old spokesperson Debangshu Bhattacharya. His rap song spread across mobile phones, faster than a piece of misinformation on WhatsApp.

    While people were basking in the ‘khela hobe’ election madness, the CPM, known for their high-headedness, hit social media with a remixed version of the popular Bengali song ‘Tumpa sona’.

    The bizarre song with its foot-thumping catchy tune and the outlandish video was tweaked to call the youths for the Left-Congress-Indian Secular Front (ISF) rally at the brigade grounds in Kolkata.

    And the youth responded.

    The song became an instant hit among them, drawing thousands to the brigade ground from across the state in this scorching summer.

    READ| Bauls of Bengal: BJP, TMC and the not-so-musical pre-election culture wars

    Politburo member Mohammed Salim, who also heads the social media team, said it was a bunch of young party cadres who came up with the idea and they went ahead with it. “Our clarion call was a hit, that’s why Modi’s rally was a miss,” he quipped.

    The Left has come a long way from ‘Tomar naam aamar naam Vietnam’ in the 60s to ‘Tumpa sona’ in 2021 — a switch that many say is reflected in their party as well.

    Once accused of ignoring young leaders during their 34-year-long rule, the party in the run-up to the Assembly elections is not only trying to reinvent itself on social media, but also trying to draw more millennials.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, Salim said, “We don’t have a dearth of new faces. We are not exchanging film stars and leaders like the other parties. The Left in its alliance with the Congress and ISF will field at least 40-50 per cent young leaders. The youth is with us. Take the rally for example, thousands of young people marched up to the brigade grounds. People from the LGBTQ community too joined us. We are very confident about this election.”

    READ| Can Asaduddin Owaisi pull off another Bihar in Bengal?

    Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union president Aishe Ghosh, SFI leader Srijan Bhattacharya, CPM cadre Pritha Ta, DYFI president Minakshi Mukherjee are likely to fight the elections on a Left ticket.

    The CPM has 26 members in the 294-seat Bengal Assembly. In 2019, the Left’s vote share fell to an abysmal low from 29.9 to 7.5 per cent.   

    The party, in its bid to mobilise young blood, has been hitting out at the Mamata Banerjee government over the rate of unemployment — which has forever been a pressing election issue.

    Although the unemployment rate in West Bengal is less than the national unemployment rate of 23.5 per cent, the pandemic year has been arduous for most blue-collar workers. As per the 2011 census data, Bengal ranks fourth among states from where people migrate to earn a living.

    In February, over 30,000 youth workers joined a march led by the CPM to the state secretariat ‘Nabanna’ demanding jobs from the government. Several agitators, including women, suffered bleeding injuries after the Kolkata police resorted to a lathi-charge, firing of tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse the agitators.

    One protester, identified as 31-year-old Mohidul Islam Middar, succumbed to injuries a day later at a nursing home.

    Daughter of former CPM MLA Pradip Ta, Pritha Ta believes that this could be a turning point in the election. “It is untrue that new faces are not joining the party. There is tremendous support from people, especially the youth who are tired of the Mamata government. They need jobs to sustain themselves. According to TV figures, 30000 people, mostly students, joined the ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ where Mohidul da was killed. This will definitely make an impact on people,” she said.

    “Amid the pandemic, we (the Left) reached out to people, created community kitchens and served food without taking any money. Now Mamata Banerjee is copying our idea with ‘maa canteens’,” she added.

    “We followed the ‘Sanjha Chulha’ format of North India and set up community kitchens in different parts of the state. Our cadres took up the effort to spread awareness on the pandemic and educate people on how to make masks at home. We never did anything thinking about the returns. It’s up to the people if they want to vote for us,” Salim said.